'Terribly sad' for another loss in Afghanistan says Defence Minister David Johnston as Lance Corporal Todd Chidgery becomes 41st Australian soldier to die

Lance Corporal Todd John Chidgey was the 41st Australian soldier to die in Afghanistan, a country where Australia has officially ended its combat operations.

The 29-year-old, from Gosford, was not killed in battle. He was found with gunshot wounds in an administration building at the Australian Defence Force headquarters in Kabul at about 2pm on Tuesday afternoon, local time.

On his sixth tour of the war-torn nation, he leaves behind a partner, a mother, father and brothers.

His death is under investigation by the defence forces.

Related Articles

Defence Minister David Johnston said there were sufficient safeguards to protect the remaining soldiers in Afghanistan. About 400 personnel remain there in a variety of jobs, including headquarters staff and Afghan National Army mentors.

''The facts of what has happened here are not clear yet,'' he said.

Advertisement

''We're still conducting inquiries so I have no reason to think there is any systemic issues there. The safety of our people is absolutely at the forefront of my mind.

You will now receive updates fromBreaking News Alert

Breaking News Alert

''This is the issue we grapple with every day of our lives: to make sure our people have the survivability and safety around them that we must give them,'' Senator Johnston said.

''He was a great soldier and he is an enormous loss to the nation,'' he said of the elite soldier from the Sydney-based 2nd Commando Regiment. ''I'm terribly sad for the loss of another Australian soldier. This makes 41 in Afghanistan. I have spoken to his mother and brother today.''

Lance Corporal Chidgey was described by his comrades as ''a brilliant bloke to know and work with'' in a statement released by Defence.

He was serving as part of the Protective Security Detachment when he died, providing protection to a senior Australian officer.

''Lance Corporal Chidgey's colleagues in the 2nd Commando Regiment have described him as a brilliant bloke to know and work with, who was loyal to the core and would do anything for his mates,'' the Defence statement said.

''A consummate professional and a dedicated soldier, Lance Corporal Chidgey was one of the hardest-working members of the regiment, who never sought recognition or reward.''

His six deployments to Afghanistan, starting in 2008, ranged in length from two weeks to six months. He had received a range of honours and awards, including the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp, International Coalition Against Terrorism.

Australia's special forces, made up of the SAS and commandos, have carried out a large share of combat duties in Afghanistan, and correspondingly suffered the bulk of deaths and injuries.

Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, described Lance Corporal Chidgey as a ''brave soldier'' who was ''highly qualified, experienced and well respected'' when he announced the soldier's death this week.

Air Chief Marshal Binskin said Corporal Chidgey died in hospital, surrounded by colleagues.